Sorrel

Rumex acetosa

I’m not sure whether to describe sorrel as a ‘humble green’ or not. It’s zingy, it’s surprising, it’s versatile. Maybe not humble. It’s just that it’s around all the time, a dependable green.

If you search the web for ‘what to do with sorrel’, you’ll likely be recommended fish dishes. You can do that. Like parsley and dill, sorrel is classicly paired with fish. Do not stop there, though.

The young, small leaves of sorrel go well in a spring salad. Or a winter salad. For me, this plant is evergreen, always on hand. I’m sure it could be added to smoothies too, adding a citrus punch! But without the imported fruit.

My favourite recipe is a dhal. Chukka Kura Pappu. Simple and warming. And it uses a load of sorrel leaves. This plant crops so abundantly, you’ll be glad of the recipe suggestion. The plant also self-seeds if you let it – a good one to have in your forest garden, or in a 5+ litre pot in your yarden.

The feature image on this post is of Sorrel Green de Belleville. A large leaved variety, reportedly bred in the 1730s in France.

You will see in the photo below that it flowers prolifically at the first signs of true summery heat. Then, it focuses energy on flower production not leaves!

Sorrel is not rich in nectar, though it is the exclusive food plant for small copper butterfly caterpillars (Lycaena phlaeas) and the day flying Forester moth (Adscita statices).

Profusion: all leaves and no flowers

We also have plants of Profusion sorrel, which doesn’t go to seed so has leaves for even longer through the year. Typically, it’s evergreen and very hardy. The leaves are a good size, not quite as big as de Belleville.

There is another name you may find in the sorrel world: Abundance. It’s a synonym for Profusion. Same plant. However, there seems to be 2 forms: a wrinkle leaved and a smooth. The one we stock is smooth.

Note of caution: as with any food you haven’t eaten before, approach with caution and don’t eat a lot the first time. Sorrel contains oxalic acid, which gives it what we interpret as a lemony flavour, so please satisfy yourself of any health effects.

If you would like to check the availability of Sorrel, current price and reserve yours, please contact us.